piece of hardware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “piece of hardware” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical device, such as a computer component or electronic device. For example, “I need to buy a new piece of hardware for my computer.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But the phone itself is a boring piece of hardware.

The New York Times

She'll have another piece of hardware after this weekend.

The New York Times - Arts

ThinkPad laptop is a trusty piece of hardware except when it falls into my hands.

The New Yorker

For those who don't, SRS has a piece of hardware called iWow Universal.

The New York Times

Each piece of hardware also has its own embedded, inaccessible programming.

The New York Times

If you come to my houses, every single piece of hardware I picked out".

The New York Times

This shirt required a piece of hardware that I did not own.

The New York Times

"I had to replace every door, every window, every piece of hardware," Mr. Modine said.

The New York Times

But this year, it might be a piece of hardware that steals the show.

The New York Times - Tech

We check its health every day, each little piece of hardware, to see how it's feeling.

The New Yorker

But now this humble piece of hardware is getting a high-tech makeover.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing computer systems, use "piece of hardware" to refer to a specific, replaceable component such as a graphics card or memory module.

Common error

Avoid using "piece of hardware" when referring to software or intangible digital assets. The term specifically denotes a physical component.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piece of hardware" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a tangible component within a larger system, such as a computer or electronic device. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piece of hardware" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a physical component of a computer or other electronic device. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to a tangible component and not software or other intangible assets. Alternatives include "hardware component" or "physical device", depending on the specific context. This term is generally used in a neutral register, making it suitable for various professional and technical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

item of hardware

Simply a different way to phrase the original query, with minimal semantic shift.

hardware component

Focuses specifically on the part as a component within a larger system.

hardware element

Highlights the elemental nature of the hardware in a system.

physical device

Broader term encompassing any tangible device, not necessarily related to computing.

equipment component

Similar to 'hardware component', broadens the scope to include equipment.

computer hardware

Specifies that the hardware is related to a computer system.

technological device

A broader term that includes hardware, but also encompasses more complex systems.

electronic component

Highlights the electronic nature of the part.

circuitry part

Focuses on the electrical circuits that make up the hardware.

mechanical part

Specifies a mechanical component, as opposed to electrical or software.

FAQs

How can I use "piece of hardware" in a sentence?

You can use "piece of hardware" to refer to a physical component of a computer or other electronic device. For example, "The graphics card is an essential "piece of hardware" for gaming."

What are some alternatives to "piece of hardware"?

Alternatives to "piece of hardware" include "hardware component", "physical device", or "electronic component", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "piece of hardware" to describe software?

No, it is not correct. "Piece of hardware" refers specifically to a physical component. Software is intangible and should not be described this way.

What's the difference between "piece of hardware" and "piece of equipment"?

"Piece of hardware" typically refers to components within electronic or computer systems, while "piece of equipment" is a broader term that can refer to any physical tool or device used for a specific purpose.